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Top Restaurants In West Chester

June 14, 2014 8:00 AM

The Chip Kelly Burger. (credit: Betsy Finn)

West Chester offers the flair of the city with the charm of a small town. In fact, it has been called “one of the world’s most perfect small towns” by The Philadelphia Inquirer. With over 65 restaurants to choose from in downtown West Chester, there’s an eatery for every budget, cuisine and atmosphere preference you could have. Ranging from favorite breakfast spots to family-friendly Italian and an eclectic Creole jazz bar, here are the top picks for dining in West Chester.

Iron Hill Brewery offers fresh food, quality beer and a family-friendly atmosphere. The menu features small plates, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza and more. If you can’t decide, go with one of the “Brewhouse Favorites” like Jaegerschnitzel, fish and chips or chicken pot pie. Pair it with a seasonal beer sampler. Visit between 4 and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to take advantage of the great happy hour specials such as $2 off seasonal and house beers and $4 and $6 wine, cocktails and appetizers.

Avalon Restaurant opened in its new location at the end of April, doubling in size and adding a full bar and outside seating. While the new space will allow for a wood-burning pizza oven, a mozzarella/antipasti bar, live entertainment and more guests, the same dedication to rustic, homemade Italian cuisine and warm hospitality will remain. Owner/Chef John Brandt-Lee is known for simple dishes with bold flavors, created using the freshest seasonal ingredients possible. His slow-cooked meats and fresh-made pasta consistently receive high praise. To get the full experience, have your table order the four-course tasting menu. This “European Tour of the menu” features smaller portions including a small plate, pasta, entrée and dessert for $49 per person. Avalon is BYOB Sunday through Tuesday with a $5 corkage fee.

The relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes Market Street Grill a top West Chester spot to meet with friends and family for breakfast or lunch. In fact, it’s been named “Best Breakfast” by Main Line Today. Favorite dishes include the cinnamon swirl French toast, gigantic pancakes, gourmet omelets and a variety of eggs Benedicts. The “Bruno Burrito” is a standout pick featuring scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheddar cheese and Andouille sausage. Breakfast is served from opening to closing, but you can also pick from lunch items including salads, sandwiches, wraps and more Monday through Saturday after 11 a.m. Taking pride in quality food at approachable prices, everything on the Market Street Grill lunch menu is under $10.

Located in historic West Chester, Vudu Lounge (formerly called High Street Caffe) has a long-standing reputation for its fun, eclectic atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable staff. The menu will make you feel like you traveled to New Orleans with its blend of traditional Cajun, Creole cuisine and some new twists on Southern favorites. It also boasts over 20 appetizers and 30 entrees, so you’ll want to keep coming back to try it all. Standout favorites are the jambalaya, alligator sausage and voodoo shrimp. Just note, this spot can get very crowded, especially on the weekends when there’s live jazz music, so be sure to make a reservation. Vudu Lounge is BYOB Sunday through Tuesday.

Limoncello is a family-run restaurant offering Southern Italian cuisine in the heart of historic downtown West Chester. Recently renovated to feature a new dining area and full-service bar with cocktails, wine and after-dinner cordials, this charming spot is perfect for lunch, happy hour, dinner or any type of private function. The specials change frequently to keep things fresh, but just a few favorite dishes are the arancini appetizer, veal chop and grilled seafood. Limoncello also offers catering for private functions, including servers and bartenders at your venue of choice.

Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women’s fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn’t pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer fiance would love to open.
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